Mt. Pleasant man named as suspect in West Liberty woman’s homicide

MT. PLEASANT — New information from the West Liberty Police Department links a high-speed chase in Mt. Pleasant on Sept. 5, 2024 to the murder of Susan “Sam” Fittro in West Liberty earlier that same day by Brady Scott Grimm.

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“At this time, we can now share that the incident involving the death of Susan ‘Sam’ Fittro was ruled a homicide and the identity of the perpetrator,” a report released Jan. 23 from West Liberty Police Department states. “Mrs. Fittro had been the victim of a single gunshot wound on the evening of Sept. 5, 2024. The assailant fled West Liberty after intentionally shooting and killing Mrs. Fittro.”

According to information released from the West Liberty Police Department, this whole ordeal began Sept. 5 at approximately 3:30 p.m. with a domestic violence incident in Grimm’s home in Mt. Pleasant. At approximately 5:53 p.m. Grimm shot and killed Fittro at her residence, according to the department.

At approximately 6:30 p.m. Grimm returned to Mt. Pleasant where Mt. Pleasant Police Department reported officers saw him near his home as they investigated the domestic violence incident.

When MPPD first released information about this incident, they did not include the suspect’s name who eventually led officers on a high-speed chase and shot at patrol cars in pursuit. One MPPD patrol car was shot through the front window during this chase, however, no officers were injured.

The chase ended with Grimm losing control of his vehicle and crashing at Highway 218 and 185th Street.

The MPPD report stated that officers found the suspect deceased and did not include a cause of death, though it did state, “Throughout the entire incident, no officers discharged their weapons.”

Information from WLPD’s press release revealed that Grimm died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

At approximately 11:40 p.m. Fittro was found deceased in her home.

MPPD and WLPD worked with the Iowa Division of Crime Investigation to investigate both of these instances before rendering the conclusion that Grimm killed Fittro at her home before returning to Mt. Pleasant and ultimately killing himself.

Grimm was identified as the son of Scott Jeffrey Grimm, the late boyfriend of Fittro.

“At this time, I would like to share my most sincere condolences to the Fittro family who have been through so much these past months,” WLPD Chief Josh Houser concluded his report on the investigation. “They were incredibly patient and understanding as the investigation progressed and answers were not readily available to be shared. The Fittro family wanted to thank everyone involved that helped bring this incident to a concise closure despite it being very difficult outcome.”

“I also would like to extend my thanks to the DCI agents and my officers for their professionalism, thoroughness, and tireless efforts to help provide closure to SAM’s family and friends,” he continued. “Also, to the members of the West Liberty Fire/EMS and Muscatine County Sheriff’s Office for their initial response and lifesaving efforts.”

“Lastly, I would also like to commend and thank all the citizens of West Liberty that came forward with information to assist with the investigation,” he said. “The information proved to be invaluable, and we greatly appreciate it.”

Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com